| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Williston/100k people | North Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 749 | n/a (estimate) | 2,753 | 1,936 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.6 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 21 | n/a | 77.2 | 49.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 18.4 | 27.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 93 | n/a | 341.8 | 174.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 119 | n/a (estimate) | 437 | 254 | 359 |
| Burglary | 93 | n/a | 341.8 | 271.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 475 | n/a | 1,745.6 | 1,229.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 62 | n/a | 227.8 | 181.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 630 | n/a (estimate) | 2,315 | 1,682 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Williston is 29.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 119 violent crimes reported in Williston, equivalent to 437 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 21.8%. Additionally, Williston recorded 630 property crimes, amounting to 2315 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 31.5%.
In the latest reported crime year, Williston recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Williston residents. Out of the respondents (18 in total), 22% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Williston were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 78% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Williston a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Williston has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 30%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.05 daily incidents, encompassing 0.33 violent crimes and 1.73 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Williston as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Williston. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Williston has increased by 44.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 28%, while property crimes have increased by 47.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Williston has a poverty rate of 6.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Williston, 87.7% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Williston, there are 2.69 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Williston | North Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 44 | 842 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Dakota /100K | National /100K |
| North Dakota | 1,982 | 293 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Williston, ND | 28,744 | 437 | 2,315 | 2,753 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Slidell, LA | 28,740 | 257 | 2,285 | 2,541 |
| Zionsville, IN | 28,737 | 21 | 278 | 299 |
| Washington, UT | 28,756 | 151 | 848 | 999 |
| Hobart, IN | 28,763 | 150 | 2,273 | 2,423 |
| Immokalee, FL | 28,766 | 385 | 2,049 | 2,434 |
| Williston, ND | 28,744 | 437 | 2,315 | 2,753 |
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